Country Crust Bread
Country Crust Bread offers hearty, golden loaves with a tender interior and crisp crust, perfect for family gatherings or everyday sandwiches, showcasing classic homemade baking comfort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl.
- Stir in sugar, salt, eggs, 1/4 cup oil, and 3 cups flour.
- Beat until smooth.
- Mix in enough flour to make dough easy to handle.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch down and divide in half.
- Roll each half into an 18 x 9-inch rectangle.
- Roll each rectangle up tightly.
- Place loaves seam side down into greased 9 x 5 x 2-inch baking pans.
- Brush the tops with oil.
- Let rise for about 1 hour.
- Heat oven to 375° F.
- Bake until loaves are golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey to the warm water along with the yeast. If you find the dough too sticky, sprinkle in additional flour gradually until it is manageable. You can also use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture. For a twist, incorporate herbs or garlic powder into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm slices with butter or jam for breakfast or as a side with soups like New England Style Corn Chowder. This bread also makes delightful sandwiches. Pair with a light salad or enjoy alongside hearty dishes such as Great Grill Burgers for a satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Crust Bread contains roughly 703 calories, with 34g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (115% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), and protein (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, and you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without dissolving it in water first. This can save time and simplify the process.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, ensure that your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is correct (between 105°F and 115°F). If the environment is too cold, try moving the dough to a warmer spot or placing it in an oven with the light on for additional warmth.
Can I add ingredients like cheese or herbs to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding ingredients like shredded cheese, herbs, or spices can enhance the flavor. Just be cautious not to overload the dough, as this can affect its ability to rise. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).